Orleans Complex Update - Aug. 15, 2017

Related Information

EUREKA, California, August 15, 2017 The Orleans Complex is comprised of 19 fires and is currently 5698 acres with 25% contained. The complex includes the Ukonom at 3854 acres (52% contained), the Burney at 1123 acres (0% contained), Frank at 13 acres (0% contained), Hooligan at 0.1 acres (0% contained), Haypress at 420 acres (0% contained), Zulu 1 through 7 that ranged from 0.1 acres to 24 acres, and the Forks at 244 acres (0% contained). Terrain in the fire area is steep, rugged and remote. Crews continue to use a confinement strategy focused on existing roads and fire lines to reduce the hazards to firefighters, and keep fires in remote areas of the National Forest to protect heritage, cultural and natural resources. Percent Contained

Structure protection continued on the Haypress Fire, which remains the most active fire in the complex. Helicopters and fixed wing aircraft worked to confine the fire, while ground crews set up sprinkler systems for structure protection that will be left in place as the fire moves towards the cabins. No damage has occurred to the cabins. Fowler Cabin is at the junction of the Bridge Creek Trail, which accesses Medicine Mountain, Pleasant Lake, Deadman Lake, and eventually the Haypress Trail near Onemile and Cuddihy Lakes. Fowler Cabin is a historic structure from pioneer days.

Smoke impacts from the Orleans Complex are generally minimal and confined to the Haypress fire, where moderate smoke production remains. Northerly winds continue to drift this smoke southerly, contributing to hazy skies south of the Complex. Several other fires in the region are expected to increase smoke impacts into the heavy range in the Northern Klamath River drainage and Scott Valley.

The Ten Bear Trailhead leading to the Marble Mountain Wilderness is closed. Hikers wanting to access the wilderness should contact the Orleans District Office (530) 627-3291 or Orleans Complex Fire Information (619) 359-3415 for details on affected trails.

A Temporary Flight Restriction Area (TFR) has been set over the fire area to provide a safe environment for firefighting aviation operations, “If you fly, we can’t”.

A portion of the Happy Camp Ranger District, in the vicinity of the Ukonom Fire, is closed to public entry for the duration of the fire due to the risks associated with an active wildfire. The closure stretches from the bank of the Klamath River east to the Independence Creek Road and includes Ukonom Creek. Please review Klamath National Forest, Emergency Closure order number 17-05-797 for complete details at https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/article/5433/37176/.

Motorists traveling on State Highway 96 are reminded that there will be large amounts of fire traffic. Please drive with caution.

The Six Rivers National Forest remains under fire restrictions to provide for public and resource safety. Details about these restrictions can be found on the forest website at www.fs.usda.gov/srnf. For more information, smoke forecasts, maps and photographs please visit the Orleans Complex Inciweb site at https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/5430/.

Elevations across the Six Rivers National Forest range from nearly sea-level to approximately 7,000 feet. As a result, the Six Rivers supports diverse ecosystems and landscapes. The Forest is comprised of extensive stands of coniferous forest, with moderate amounts of oak woodland and grassland in the southern part of the Forest. These ecosystems provide habitat for 8 federally classified threatened and endangered species, including the bald eagle and the peregrine falcon. In addition, 32 plant, 2 bird, 1 fish, and 2 mammal species found in the Six Rivers are designated as Forest Service sensitive species.

The forest and the many communities, located within and near its boundaries, are mutually dependent on one another. This is particularly true in wildfire prevention and suppression, which is a critical function of the Six Rivers’ fire and aviation management program. Partnerships with tribes and local community organizations, such as fire safe councils, are crucial for preventing wildfires as well as protecting local communities through treatment of hazardous forest fuels.

Cooperators on the incident include representatives from the Karuk, Yurok and Hoopa Tribes, California Conservation Corps, Siskiyou County Sheriff Department, and Caltrans.